Tool for preparing and applying wires to terminals



Maly 5, 1959 J. R. Bos ETAL Toor. FOR PREPARING AND APPLYING WIRES To TERMINALS Filed Nov. so. 1955 '2 Sheets-Sheet 1 hm D.. Nw y m, um v wmv mm No @MN @NM1 Q. 5 WW. 691% d www N May 5, 1959 J. R. Bos ETAL TOOL FOR PREPARING AND APPLYING WIRES TO TERMINALS Filed NOV. 50, 1955 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 UHU Ill l www,

United States Patet TOOL FCR PREPARING AN D APPLYING WIRES T TERl'VIINALS Ilohn R. Bos, Grand Haven, and Robert B. Shulters, Spring Lake, Mich., assignors to Gardner-Denver Company, Quincy, Ill., a corporation of Delaware Application November 30, 1955, Serial No. 550,029 11 Claims. (Cl. 2933) The present invention relates generally to making a connection between a wire and an electrical terminal and more particularly to a tool for effecting such a' connection by winding the wire in successive convolutions about and in intimate engagement with the terminal.

Tools of this general character conventionally include a rotary shaft or bit which is disposed Within a sleeve member, the bit being provided at its forward end with a longitudinal recess for the reception of the terminal and a radially offset longitudinal groove for the reception of the wire. In the operation of the tool the bit is rotated and the wire is wound about the terminal, the wire being withdrawn longitudinally from the groove as it is applied to the terminal. By Way of an example of such a tool, reference is made to the copending patent application Serial No. 501,968, filed April 18, 1955, by applicants.

In tools of the type shown in the aforementioned application, the external sleeve member is reciprocable manually relative to the bit and, as an incident to forward movement of the member, it coacts with the bit to strip the wire of its insulation. Means may also be provided which is operable upon such movement to cut the wire to length as well as to separate the insulation therefrom.

It is a` general object of the present invention to provide an improved power actuated tool for connecting wires to terminals which is effective not only to make the actual connection but in addition is capable of receiving wire as it is supplied from a supply spool or the like and to prepare the wire for the connectingoperation.

A more particular object resides in the provision in a tool of the aforesaid general character of power operated means for reciprocating the sleeve member with respect to the bit and for rotating the bit and sleeve, such operation being sequential so that the insulation isv irst separated and then the conductor of the -wire is wound about the terminal, it being withdrawn from the separated insulation during the winding. A related object of the invention is to provide a single control member for the application of power to the device so as toyeffect the aforesaid sequential operation.

A further, object comprises including means operable upon interruption. of the application of power tothe tool for returning the reciprocable sleevev member to its initial position, with; a special provision to guide the bit and sleeve member into the same angular position relative to the tool axis. as it was originally.

The objects of the invention thus generally set forth together with other objects and ancillary advantages areA attained by the construction and arrangement shown by way of illustration in the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure l is a front elevation of a power operated tool embodying the features of thepresen-t invention;

Fig. 2 is a longitudinal section taken in offset planes as indicated by the lines 2-2 in Fig. l;

Fig. 3 is a section taken substantially in the plane o line 3--3 in Fig. 2;

Fig. 4

Fig. 5 is a fragmentary detail view the tool mechanism shown in Fig. 2;

Figs. 6 and 7 are sections taken along lines 6-6 and 7*-7 in Fig. 2; and

Fig. 8 is a fragmentary longitudinal section of the forward end of another illustrative form of the present invention.

Fig. 9 is a diagrammatic View representing the developed length of the cam element of the modied form of Fig. 8.

While the invention is susceptible of various modifications and alternative constructions there are shown in the drawings and will herein be described in detail for purposes of illustration presently preferred embodiments, but it is to be understood that it is not thereby intended to limit the invention to the specific forms disclosed. On the contrary, it is intended to cover all modifications and alternative constructions falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as expressed in the appended claims.

Referring more particularly to they drawings, there is shown in Figs. l and 2 a power operated tool for effecting a connection between a wire and a terminal; In general, this illustrative tool includes a housing` 10 which is equipped withy a pistol-grip type handle 12 mounting a trigger-like finger piece 14 by meansof which power supplied to the tool is controlled. The exemplary tool is adapted for actuation by pressure tluid such as compressed air, althoughv it is not intended that the invention be limited thereto. In the illustrative device there is disposed within the rear. portion 10a of the housing 10 a pneumatic motor 15 of the rotary, extensiblevane type. The housing 410, as shown, isl formed of thel three parts, the aforesaid rear portion 10a, a front cap 10b, and an intermediate generally cylindrical portion 10c. At its forward end the tool terminatesv in a nose assembly, generally designated 18, which includes a wire winding bit disposed within a forwardly projecting sleeve 21. interposed between the nose assembly 18 and the motor l5 the exemplary tool incorporates suitable speed reduction gearing indicated generally atA 22' and a clutch mechanism 23 for couplingy the; tools motor to the bit 20.

As can be seen in Fig. l', tlie bitV 20 is provided with a longitudinalrecess 24 forthe reception of a` terminal about which a WireW (Fig. 2) is to be wound in contiguous helical convolutions so as to effect an electrical connection therebetween. To position the wire W for application to the terminal upon rotation of the bit 20, the bit is provided with a wire receiving groove 2S. The groove is formed in the bit adjacent the outer end thereof and is disposed in radially offset relation tothe recess 24, extending longitudinally in the peripheral surface of the bit. In operation the wire W is withdrawn from the groove 25 as it is wound about and in intimate engagement with a terminal received in the recess 24*l The illustrative tool' incorporates. an improved construction andarrangement of components facilitating the reception of the wire with its insulation in place thereon just. as it is supplied from a supply spool or the like. By means of the improved construction and arrangement the wire is cut to a predetermined length, is stripped of a predetermined amount of insulation,.and is positioned automatically in the wire receiving groove 25 for subsequent.l application to a' terminal received in the recess 24 off the bit 20. These featuresare described with more particularity inthe aforesaidpatent. application. However, insofar as applicable, to the present inventionv the operation of the windingbit and its construction will be described herein.

The bit 20 and the sleeve 21 are especially formed to of a portion of permit side loading of the wire W, as distinguished from is a section taken along line 4--4 in Fig. 2;v

axial insertion thereof. More particularly, the bit and sleeve are constructed and arranged so that the wire W can be loaded into the tool by simply laying it across the bit, subsequent manipulation of the components of the tool causing the wire to be prepared and automatically positioned in the wire receiving groove 25 of the bit 20 for application to the terminal. Thus the sleeve 21 is mounted for relative longitudinal or reciprocable movement with respect to the bit between a normally open or loading position and a forward position wherein the contiguous inner surface of the sleeve closes the wire receiving groove to retain the bared conductor C of the wire W therein. In the loading position of the sleeve (Fig. 2) the forward end portion of the bit is exposed so that the wire W can be laid across the transverse bit surface 26. Upon relative forward movement of the sleeve 21 with respect to the bit 20, the wire is caused to be directed outwardly toward the wire receiving groove 25.

The forward or leading edge of the sleeve 21 is utilized in cooperation with the forward end portion of the bit 20, in which the groove 25 is formed, and especially that portion thereof that defines the rear end of the groove 25 to cut the insulation I at a point spaced from the end of the wire W and separate the cut portions of the insulation. The wire receiving groove 25 is sized in transverse dimension to receive the conductor C of the wire W, i.e., the groove 25 is complementally formed with respect to the bared conductor C. It will be recalled from the foregoing description herein that upon forward movement of the sleeve 21 from its rearmost or loading position, its forward end 28 engages the wire W and moves it outwardly along the bit toward the open rear end of the wire receiving groove 25. Since the wire receiving groove corresponds in transverse dimension to the diameter of the conductor C, the wire W with the insulation I thereon is prevented from dropping into the groove 25. Thus, the inner edge 30 of the sleeve 21 upon continued forward movement of the sleeve, bites into the insulation I, and forces that portion of the insulation immediately ahead of this edge forwardly. At the same time, such continued forward motion of the sleeve 21 tends to force the wire W into the rear end of the wire receiving groove 25. It will be apparent from an observation of Fig. 2 that by relieving the bit 20 at 31 the forward end thereof is provided with a rear surface 32 disposed transversely of the bit. This construction provides the rear end of the wire receiving groove 25 with relatively sharp edges. Since the groove is dimensioned to receive only the conductor C of the wire W, the forcing downward of the wire W into the rear end of the groove, upon forward movement of the sleeve 21 with respect to the bit 20, causes the side yedges to cut the remainder of the insulation I and leaves the forward end of the severed portion of the insulation in engagement with the transverse rear face 32 of the forward end of the bit. Additional forward movement of the sleeve 21 will, therefore, cause complete parting of the thus severed insulation.

As just above noted, the severed end portion of the insulation abuts the transverse face 32 of the forward end portion of the bit 20 and is thus held against forward movement as the sleeve 21 continues to move forwardly. Further by virtue of its engagement with the wire W just ahead of the insulation cut, the sleeve 21 carries the wire W forwardly with it. As a result the trailing portion of the conductor C of the Wire W is withdrawn from the severed portion of the insulation I and at the same time 1s pulled along the wire receiving groove 25 until the sleeve 21 reaches its forwardrnost position (not shown).

The wire W is thus fully prepared for application to the terminal when the latter is inserted in the terminal receiving recess 24 of the bit 20. Upon initiation of rotation of the bit to wind the wire, or more particularly, the bared conductor C thereof, about the terminal the conductor C is withdrawn forwardly or outwardly through 4 the wire receiving groove 25. In so doing the trailing end portion of the conductor is fully withdrawn from the severed portion of the insulation I since the latter is held back by its engagement with the transverse rear face 32 of the bit.

The illustrative nose assembly is also constructed for cutting the wire W that is loaded into the tool to a predetermined length. Such length is determined, in general, by the amount of wire required in the formation of a predetermined number of convolutions of the wire to be placed about a terminal in effecting connection of the wire to the terminal. For this purpose a pair of relatively movable cutting edges are provided which are disposed to cross one another in the movement of the sleeve 21 with respect to the bit 20, so as to shear the wire. Thus, one of the cutting edges is iixed with respect to the bit 20 and the other is fixed with respect to the sleeve 21. ln the illustrative device, and as more particularly de scribed in the aforesaid patent application of applicants, the sleeve 21 has mounted thereon adjacent its rear end a collar 40 which is longitudinally slotted as at 41 to denne with its `forward transverse face a cutting edge 42. The cutting edge 42 is disposed for cooperation with a cutting edge 43 formed along the upper rear side of a pin 44 which is lxed with respect to the bit 20 and projects generally radially therefrom through an elongated longitudinally disposed slot 45 formed in the sleeve 21. Preferably the edge 43 is formed by chamfering the rear face of the pin 44 so that the edge extends outward and rearA Ward from the bit 20. This construction disposes the edge 43 whereby the cutting edge 42 of the collar 40 traverses it progressively from its outermost end toward its innermost end as the collar 40 moves forwardly with respect thereto in the forward movement of the sleeve 21. As shown, the collar 40 is fixed in place upon the sleeve 21 by means of set-screws 51. Thus, by merely loosening the set-screws the sleeve may be readily removed, a convenience to permit resharpening of the cutting edge 42 provided on the sleeve.

It will be seen that the pin-in-slot construction, alforded by the pin 44 and the sleeve slot 45 and collar slot 41, serves to guide longitudinal movement of the sleeve 21 with respect to the bit 20 and prevents any relative rotary movement therebetween. Thus, maintenance of proper alignment of the bit 20 and sleeve 21 and collar 40 is insured The illustrative tool incorporates an improved construction and arrangement of components including a power actuated motive and drive assembly for both moving the sleeve member 21 between a retracted position, wherein the forward end of the bit 20 is exposed to receive the insulated wire, and a forward position wherein the forward end of the member traverses the forward end of the bit to cut and separate the insulation of the wire and additionally for rotating the bit 20 and the sleeve member 21 to wind the wires bared conductor C about a terminal.

In carrying out one aspect of the invention, the power `actuated motive and drive assembly incorporates means for advancing and retracting the sleeve member with respect to the bit 20. To this end the intermediate portion 10c of the housing 10 is formed as a cylinder 55, 1ongi tudinally reciprocable within which is a piston 56. As shown, a piston 56 is of generally cylindrical form and mounts as its front end aC-washer 58. The C-washer 58 is provided with a radially opening slot 58a within which is journaled collar 40 and the bit 20, the collar being peripherally grooved adjacent its rear end to` interiit with the C-washer. To seal against leakage of pressure iiuid the piston 56 is provided at its rear end with appropriate O-ring gaskets 61 for engagement with the inner wall of the cylinder of the housing portion 10c and with the outer surface of a barrel 60 which extends coaxially Within the housing portion 10c.

To transmit advancing and retracting movement to the collar and sleeve 21 which are telescoped about the bit 20, the nose 18 of the housing portion 10b is provided with an opening 62' of sufficient size to accommodate the collar 40 and permit free relative longitudinal movement thereof. The rearwardly facing transverse groove surface of the collar 40 abuts the forward tace of the C-washer 58 and, as previously noted the collar is retained in position upon the sleeve 21 by set-screws 51. It will be seen therefore, that admission or uid under pressure to the cylinder causes forward movement of the piston 56 in the housing 10c, and forward movement of the collar 40 and sleeve 21 relative to the bit 20 for cutting a wire laidl across the bit', and stripping the insulation therefrom.

To retract the sleeve with respect to the bit followingA ment of "the rear face of the C-washer with the forwardlyA facing transverse groove surface of the collar upon interruption of the application of fluid pressure to the cylinder 55.

To enable adjustment of the retracted position of the piston 56, as might be necessary, for example, following resharpening of the cutting edges 42 and 43, an adjustable connection between the C-washer 58 and the piston 56 is provided. To this end, oblique slots are formed in the wall of the piston 56 adjacent the forward end thereof for receiving screws 72 (Figs. 4 and 5), which are threaded into tapped holes 73 in the C-washer 58. To effect relative adjustment. of the C-washer 58, the screws 72 are loosened and the C-washer 58 is angularly adjusted with respect to the walls of the piston 56 to permit alternative location of the screws 72 along the slots 70 and thus of the C-washer longitudinally with respect to the piston.

The rest position of the piston 56, corresponding to the returned or retracted position oi the collar 40 and sleeve 21, isl determined by the abutment 74 within the housing portion 10c. The extent of forward longitudinal movement of the piston 56I in the housing is determined by a stop sleeve 75 disposed within and adjacent the forward endy of the intermediate housing portion 10c. By utilizing the stop sleeve 75, the forward motion of the piston 56 is halted prior to engagement by the face of the G-washer 5S with the inside front wall of the housing 10. The

sleeve 75 may be made of plastic or relatively soft metal as desired and can be replaced as might be necessitated by wear.

As hereinbefore noted, the illustrative device is intended for actuation by pressure uid such as compressed air. Thus, compressed air is supplied to the instant tool from any suitable source (not shown) to a supply passage 80, formed in the handle 12 of the tool, by way of the air line 57. At its upper end the supply passage communicates with a supply chamber 81.

The supply of pressure uid from the supply chamber 81 to the cylinder 55, for advancing the piston 56 therein, is under the control of a valve indicated generally at 83. The valve 83 is of the poppet type and includes a body or stem 84 which is longitudinally shiftable within a bushing 85. Preferably, the stem 84 is relieved, as at 86, so as to dene with the bushing S5 a valve chamber 87. At its inner end the valve body mounts a head 88 which carries a suitable sealing gasket or O-ring 89 for seating engagement with the inner end of the bushing to interrupt the ow of pressure uid from the supply chamber 81 to the valve chamber 87. The valve bushing 85 is of reduced diameter adjacent its inner end to define with the bore in the handle 12 in which it is received an annular chamber 90. The valve bushing 85 is suitably ported as at 91 to communicate with the chamber 90 and 75 thence by way of ay port 92 with the cylinder 55 behind theL piston 56.

It will be apparent that with the construction and arrangement of the valve 83 as shown and described, the valveV is. normally urged towards closed position by the action of pressure uid in the supply chamber 81 on the head 880i the valving element. Communication between the supply chamber 81 and the cylinder 55 by way of the valve chamber 87, ports 91, chamber and passage 92, is established by depressing the trigger 14 soy as to move the valving element from its seat as defined by theA annular inner end of the valve bushing 85. It will be seen in Figs. 2 and, 3 that the outer end of the valve body 84 projectsforwardly from the outer end of the valve bushing 85 and engages the rear side of the trigger 14.

Upon completion of a wirel winding operation by the instant tool the piston 56, as previously described, is retracted in the cylinder 5,5 by the action of the spring 64. To permit this retracting or rearward movement of the piston unhindered by any uid trapped in the cylinder 55 behind the piston 56, communication between the cylinder- 55 and the atmosphere is established when the valve 83 is closed. To this end, the valve body 84 is provided with a longitudinal passage 95 which intersects a transverse passage 97 formed in the body 84- of the valving element. The outer ends of the passage 97 are adapted to register with ports 98 formed. intermediate the ends of the valve bushing 85, such registration occurring` only when the valve body 84 is in its forwardmost position, i.e., when the z valving element is seated against the inner annular end of the bushing so asv to interrupt pressure fluid supply from the chamber 81. Thus, as the piston 56 is returned by the spring 64, any pressure fluid trapped in the cylinder 55 is exhausted to theY atmosphere by way of the passage 92, the annular chamber 90 surrounding the bushing 85,

the bushing ports 98, and the passages 97 and 95 in the: valve body 84. It will also be seen upon reference to Fig. 2, that with the initiation of inward movement of the valve body 84, when the trigger 14 is depressed, that the valve body passage 97 is moved out of registration with the valve body ports 98 when the valve is opened toadmit pressure iluid from the supply chamber 81 to the cylinder 55 to advance the piston 56, thus interrupting communication with the atmosphere so that there is no loss of live pressure iluid therethrough` As hereinbefore noted, the illustrative tool includes a pressure fluid operated motor 15 which is adapted to rotate the bit 20, sleeve 21 and collar 40, through speed reduction gearing 22 and clutch 23, to perform the wire winding operation., In the present instance, pressure tluid, here compressed air, is supplied to the motor 15 from the supply chamber 81 by way of a valve indicated generally at 101 (Fig. 3) and a passage 102 (Fig. 1). The latter passage extends rearwardly and upwardly from the valve 101 to the motor chamber formed in the rear housing portion 10a. The valve 101 is preferably of the poppet type and includes a valve body 101A and a bushing 103 which is received in a bore formed in the handle portion 12 of the tool body 10. Intermediate its ends the valve body 101A is necked-down as at 104 to dene with the inner end portion of the valve bushing a valve chamber 104A. At its outer end the valve body terminates in a head which is suitably equipped with an O-ring 107. The latter is adapted to seat against the inner end of the bushing 103 to interrupt communication between the supply chamber 81 and the valve chamber 104A. Intermediate its ends the bushing 103 is of reduced diameter to dene with the bore of the housing portion 10a in which it is received an annular chamber 103A which communicates directly with the motor supply passage 162. Communication between the valve chamber 104A and the annular chamber 103A is established by suitably porting the valve bushing 103 adjacent the inner end thereof.

In carrying out another aspect of the present invention the illustrative tool is constructed and arranged to the end that, first, the piston 56, and with it the sleeves 40 and 21, is advanced with respect to the bit 20 to perform the wire cutting and insulation severing and separating operations, and then the motor is actuated to rotate the bit so as to perform the winding operation whereby to effect an electrical connection between the conductor C of the wire W and a terminal received in the forward end of the bit 20. This sequential operation as outlined is effected by the operation of a single means under the control of an operator using the tool. To this end, in the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the single control means comprises the trigger 14 in combination with the valves 83 and 101. The latter are especially constructed and arranged whereby the valve 83 is operated upon initial movement of the trigger 14 to supply pressure fluid to the cylinder 55 to advance the piston 56 and the sleeves 40 and 21 with respect to the bit 20, and upon subsequent movement of the trigger 14 the valve 101 is operated to supply pressure fluid to the motor 15 whereby rotation of the bit 20 is effected. It is to be noted that pressure fluid supply to the cylinder 55 is maintained so long as the trigger is depressed, thus maintaining the valve 83 open, and while the valve 101 is open to effect operation of the motor 15 and thus rotation of the bit 20. Upon release of the trigger 14 by an operator using the illustrative tool, pressure fluid in the supply chamber 81 acts to close both valves 83 and 101 interrupting the supply of live pressure fluid to the tool. Simultaneously with the closure of valve 83, communication between the cylinder 55 and the atmosphere is established to provide an exhaust path from the cylinder.

In the illustrative tool, the sequential operation of the device is effected because of the side-by-side disposition of the valves 83 and 101 and the formation of the stem 84 of the valve 83 of a length somewhat longer than that of the valve body 101A. It will be apparent from Fig. 3, therefore, that initial movement of the trigger 14 from its normal or rest position effects opening of the valve 83 in advance of engagement of the trigger with the stem 101A of the valve 101. To put this another way, the valve body 84 of the valve 83 is continuously in engagement with the trigger 14 whereas a lost-motion connection is provided between the trigger 14 and the valve stern 101A, which lost motion must be taken up prior to operation of the valve 101 to supply pressure uid from the supply chamber 81 to the motor 15.

It will be apparent, therefore, that an operator using the tool, in order to effect the above outlined sequential operation, has but to depress the trigger 14 until he feels some additional resistance, as offered by the engagement of the trigger 14 with the outer end of the valve body 101A. Depression of the trigger 14 until this additional resistance is encountered opens the valve 83 to establish communication between the pressure fluid supply chamber 81 and the cylinder 55. Thus, the piston 56 is advanced so as to move the cutting edge 42 with respect to the cutting edge 43 (of the sleeve 40 and pin 44, respectively), to cut the wire W and to move the cutting edge 30 with respect to the transverse surface 32 of the outer `end of the bit 20 whereby to cut and part the insulation I and to lay the conductor C of the wire W along the wire receiving groove in the bit 20. After these steps in the operation have been effected, the operator can complete the depression of the trigger 14 so as to open the valve 101 whereby to effect operation of the motor 15 and thus rotation of the bit 20. The latter operation is carried on with the sleeve 21 maintained in its forwardmost position with respect to the bit 20 with its contiguous inner wall closing the wire receiving groove 25 that extends longitudinally in the peripheral surface of the bit 20 so as to guide the conductor C of the wire W as it is withdrawn from the groove 25 and is applied to a terminal received in the recess 24 during a winding operation.

While the foregoing description of the exemplary embodirnent of the instant invention has described a construction and arrangement embodying a pair of poppet type valves disposed in side-by-side relation for sequential operation by the trigger 14, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that other valve means can be utilized with equal facility so long as such valve means is operative first to supply pressure fluid to effect longitudinal movement of the sleeves 40 and 21 with respect to the bit 20 and is operative subsequently to supply pressure fluid to effect rotation of the bit 20, while maintaining the lirst mentioned supply of pressure fluid so that the sleeve 21 is held in its forwardmost position with respect to the bit 20 during rotation of the bit.

To facilitate use of the instant device, it is desirable that the bit 20 be stopped upon completion of each wire winding operation, in the same relative angular position. While it is not especially important that the wire receiving groove 25 of the bit always be in the position shown in Fig. 2, it is desirable that whatever position thereof is chosen by the operator to suit his convenience, that the bit is returned to such position for the initiation of each succeeding operation of the tool. In the form of the invention shown in Fig. 2 repositioning means is incorporated which corresponds to that illustrated and described in copending application Serial No. 280,571 of Ernest H. Shaff filed April 4, 1952, now U.S. Patent No. 2,732,139. Suffice it to say for present purposes, and referring particularly to Figs. 2, 6 and 7, the clutch 23 includes a driving clutch element 111 which is adapted to engage a driven clutch element 110, the latter being rigid with a spindle 120. The clutch element 111 is longitudinally shiftable into and out of engagement with the driven element 110. The element 111 is spring biased into disengaged position and is movable into engagernent with the element under the action of pressure uid upon admission thereof to the motor chamber in the rear housing portion 10c to actuate the motor 15. Longitudinal movement of element 111 is guided by a splined collar 15a which is mounted upon the output shaft 15b of the motor 15. It will be apparent from Figs. 2 and 6 that the splined connection between the collar 15a and the clutch element 111 affords a nonrotative driving coupling therebetween. The spindle has a non-rotative connection with the bit 20 to impart rotary movement thereto. In this instance, such connection is afforded by the engagement of a flat 124 formed on the inner end of the bit 20 with a cross pin 123 mounted adjacent the forward end of the spindle 120. The spindle 120 is journaled within the barrel 60 and surrounding the spindle and within the rear end of the barrel 60 is a spring 125 which is anchored at its rear end in the driven clutch member 110 as at 132. The spring 125 is of the torsional type and is adapted to frictionally engage the inner surface of the barrel 60. Thus, during the winding operation when the fmotor 15 is operated to rotate the spindle 120 and the bit 20 the spring 125 tends to be wound Upon completion of the winding operation the spring 125 tends to unwind, and because of its engagement with the barrel 60 it tends to rotate the barrel 60. Since the barrel 60 is retained in non-rotative relation within the tool, therefore reverse rotation is imparted to the spindle 120 and to the bit 20 by the pin-and-flat connection 123, 124. In order to stop this reverse rotation, the barrel 60 is equipped with pawl 126 which is adapted to engage a notch 127 formed in the periphery of the spindle 120 adjacent the forward end thereof. The pawl 126 is biased toward notchengaging position by a spring 130 which is received in a suitably formed recess 131 formed in the barrel 60 (Fig. 7). It will be apparent from Fig. 7 that so long as the motor 15 is driving the spindle 120 and bit 20 in a counterclockwise direction as seen in Fig. 7, the pawl 126 is cammed out of the notch 127 and rotation is unhindered. Upon interruption of such rotation of ass/inse the spindle so as to release the spindle 120 to the action of the spring 125 (which was wound during counterclockwise rotation of the spindle by the motor) the spindle is rotated in a clockwise rdirection until the pawl engages the notch 127. It will be appreciated of course that the notch 127 is disposed to correspond to the desired angular position of the bit 20. Thus, upon engagement of the pawl 126 in the notch 127 this desired angular position is reestablished for subsequent operation of the tool.

In carrying out another aspect of the invention provision is made for utilizing the energy stored in the piston and sleeve return spring not only for retracting the piston and the sleeves with respect to the bit but, in addition, to reposition the bit in a predetermined angular relation as desired by the operator. In Fig. 8 of the drawings there is shown for purposes of illustration a modified form of the instant device in which this aspect of the invention is incorporated. In describing this form of the invention similar reference numerals are utilized with the suilix letter B for corresponding components. Thus, this form of the invention includes a housing 10B defining a cylinder 55B reciprocable Within which is a piston 56B for advancing and retracting sleeves 40B and 21B with respect to a bit 20B. The sleeves are fastened to the piston by means of a C-washer 58B Within which the bit B is journaled intermediate its ends. Adjacent its rear end the bit is journaled in a suitable bushing mounted in the forward end of a barrel 60B. The barrel 69B is supported in non-rotative relation within the housing 141B, and its external surface together with the internal surface of the cylinder 55B of the housing 10B serves to guide the forward and return movement of the piston 56B. Within the barrel 66B is journaled a spindle 120B which has rigid with its rear end the driven element of a clutch generally designated 23B, the driving element of which, as in the form of the invention previously illustrated and described, is adapted to be driven in the same manner as the driving element of the clutch 23. A non-rotative connection is provided between the forward end of the spindle 120B and the rear end of the bit 20B by the engagement of a through pin 123B carried by the spindle with a flat 124B formed on the rear end of the bit 28.

interposed between the inner surface of the forward end of the housing 10B and the C-Washer 58B is a return spring 64B. Upon admission of pressure uid to the cylinder 55B behind the piston 56B, the piston and with it the sleeves 40B and 21B, are advanced with respect to the bit 20B and upon such forward or advancing movement the spring 64B is compressed. Upon interruption of the supply of pressure lluid to the cylinderl SSB the spring 64B can expand and in so doing is effective to retract the piston 56B and the sleeves 46B and 21B with respect to the bit 20B. It is apparent that the construction and operation of this form of the invention thus far described is exactly the salme as that previously described.

As with the rst form illustrated and described, it is desirable that the bit 20B, upon completion of each wire Winding operation, be stopped in the same relative angular position, whatever that relative position might be as predetermined by the operator -to suit his convenience. In order to utilize the energy stored in the spring 64B for this purpose, this form of the invention incorporates cam means interposed between the piston 56B and the spindle 120B. ln the present instance the spindle is of stepped cylindrical form, having a portion 126C of enlarged diameter intermediate its ends. The peripheral surface of the enlarged portion 120C as Well as the peripheral surface of the forward end portion of the spindle 120B serves to journal the spindle within the barrel 60B. The forwardly facing surface of the enlarged spindle portion 120C is formed as a cam surface 130. Rigid with the C-Washer 58B is a cam follower 132. As

shown, the cam follower 132 is of rod or pin form and extends rearwardly from the G-Washer through a longitudinal bore 134 in the barrel 60B. The rear end of the cam follower 132 is rounded fas at 13211 vfor bearing engagement upon the cam surface `130 of the enlarged spindle portion C. Because the cam follower 132 is fixed with respect to the =Cwasher 58B and the latter is xed to the piston 56B, its reception in the bore 134 of the stationary barrel 60B prevents rotation of the piston.

Upon reference to Fig. 8 Ait will be seen that when the piston 56B is advanced, to advance the C-washer 58B the sleeve 46B 'and the sleeve 21B, the cam follower 132 is also moved forwardly. When the piston is fully advanced the cam follower 132 is moved suiciently far forward so that its end 132a is clear of `the cam surface 13u of the spindle portion 120C. Therefore, when the spindle 120B is rotated, so as to rotate the bit 20B for performing a wire winding operation, such rotation ycan occur unhindered by the presence of the cam follower 132.

Upon interruption of the application of pressure fluid to the tool so that the piston 56B is released to the action of the spring 64B, return movement of the piston is effected. Since the cam follower 132 is fixed with respect to the piston, it too is moved rearwardly so that its rear end engages the cam surface of the spindle portion 12M) As previously noted, the piston and the barrel 60B are held non-rotative within the housing 10B, and upon interruption of the supply of pressure fluid to the tool the clutch 23B is disengaged. Therefore, engagement of the end 132er of the cam follower 132 with the cam 13d results in the imparting of rotary movenient to the spindle portion 120C. Since the portion 120C is rigid with the spindle 126B and since the spindle 126B is non-rotatively coupled to the bit 20B, rotation of the spindle and of the bit 20B is effected. In order to determine the rest point of the spindle 120B and thus of the normal or rest angular position of the bitl 20B, the cam 136 is Iformed so as to provide a low point or notch as indicated at 13051; This low point or notch conforms generally to the rounded end 132a of the cam follower 132 so as to provide a definite rest position. More particularly as shown and `described the cam surface 1.30 is of the end or face type presenting an axially disposed semi-helical surface. As can best be seen upon reference to Fig. 9, which comprises a diagrammatic view representative of the cam surface development, the cam surface 13@ has a high or more forward point disposed peripherally from its low point, and at the low point is formed the notch 130a. It will be apparent, therefore, that -the direction of rotation of the spindle portion 120C, spindle 120B and bit 20B, will depend on the relative angular location of the cam surface 13d with respect to the cam follower 132 when power supply to the tool is interrupted so as to release the piston 55B to the action of the return spring 64B. Actually the direction of rotation is immaterial for the desired end is that the spindle portion 120C, spindle 120B and bit 20B be rotated only until the cam follower attains the lower or rearmost point on the cam surface '130. This low point has an angular relationship with the remainder of the tool as may be predetermined by the operator.

From the foregoing, therefore, it will be apparent that a tool constructed and arranged in accordance with the teachings of the present invention permits of ready insertion of a wire therein simply by laying the wire across the bit with the sleeve in its retracted position. Further, upon operation of the device, power is applied to produce relative movement between the bit and the sleeve whereby the wire is cut so as to remove the excess portion of its length that is to be stripped of insulation, has its insulation severed and parted, and its conductor is positioned for application to a terminal. Power is then applied to rotate the bit for winding the wires conductor about a terminal and on interruption of the application of power to the tool, the bit is guided to a predetermined angular position relative to the tool axis.

It is also to be noted that the foregoing construction and arrangement is of relatively simple form requiring a minimum number of individual components and is simple of manufacture. The tool is rugged and due to its relatively simple construction, may be made of minimum size, for use in applications where space is at a premium. Furthermore, the tool is completely power actuated, simple of manipulation and foolproof in operation enabling use by unskilled operators with optimum results.

We claim as our invention:

l. In a pressure uid operated tool for preparing and applying a wire to a terminal having a rotary bit and a sleeve mounted on said bit for longitudinal movement with respect thereto, the combination comprising means responsive to the application of pressure uid for advancing the sleeve with respect to the bit for preparing and positioning the wire for application to the terminal, means responsive to the application of pressure uid for rotating the bit to wind the wire about the terminal, and valve means for sequentially supplying pressure fluid first to said sleeve moving means and then to said bit rotating means.

2. In a pressure fluid operated tool for preparing and `applying a wire to a terminal having a rotary bit and a sleeve mounted on said bit for longitudinal movement J with respect thereto, the combination comprising pressure iluid responsive means for moving the sleeve with respect to the bit for preparing and positioning the wire for application to the terminal, pressure iluid responsive means for rotating the bit to wind the wire about the terminal, and valve means for sequentially supplying pressure fluid rst to said sleeve moving means and then to said bit rotating means, said valve means maintaining the supply of pressure fluid to said sleeve moving means during the supply of pressure fluid to said bit rotating means.

3. ln a iluid pressure operated tool for preparing and applying a wire to a terminal including a rotary bit and a sleeve mounted on said bit for longitudinal movement with respect thereto, the combination comprising a rotary iiuid motor for said bit, a reciprocable fluid motor for said sleeve, and means for controlling the application of power to said motors sequentially, said means including a pair of valves disposed in side-by-side relation and operable respectively to admit pressure fluid to said rotary motor and to said reciprocable motor, and including a single trigger operable to first open the valve controlling the application of power to said reciprocable motor to etfect longitudinal movement of said sleeve with respect to said bit for preparing and positioning the wire in said bit and then operable to open the valve controlling the admission of pressure liuid to said rotary motor to elect rotation of said bit to apply the wire to the terminal.

4. ln a tool for preparing and applying a wire to a terminal including a bit adapted to have inserted therein one end of the wire and having a member telescoped over said bit and mounted for longitudinal movement with respect to the bit to position the wire in the bit, the combination of a housing dening a motor chamber and a cylinder, a motor in said chamber, a piston reciprocable in said cylinder for moving the member between a retracted position wherein the forward end of the bit is exposed to receive the wire and a forward position wherein the forward end of said member traverses the forward end of said bit to position the wire therein, means including a spindle journaled in said housing and interposed between said bit and motor for rotating the bit to wind the wire conductor about a terminal, a rst valve regulating the admission of fluid to said cylinder to advance said piston, a second valve regulating the admission of uid 12 to operate the motor, and a trigger for .operating said rst and second valves sequentially.

5. In a tool for preparing and applying insulated wire to a terminal, having a bit adapted to have inserted therein one end of an insulated wire and having a member telescoped over said bit and mounted for longitudinal movement with respect to the bit to cut and separate the insulation from the wire, the combination of a housing, a motor in the housing, a piston reciprocable in the housing for moving the member between a retracted position wherein the forward end of the bit is exposed to receive the insulated wire and a forward position wherein the forward end of said member traverses the forward end of said bit to cut and separate the insulation on the wire, a valve regulating the admission of pressure fluid to advance said piston, means for shifting the piston rearwardly in the housing operable upon interruption by said valve of the admission of pressure fluid to said piston, a spindle journaled in the housing for rotating the member and the bit together to wind the wires bared conductor about the terminal, a normally disengaged driving connection between said spindle and said motor engaged in response to the admission of uid to operate said motor, a second valve regulating the admission of uid to operate said motor, and a trigger for operating said valves sequentially.

6. ln a pressure fluid operated tool for preparing and applying an insulated wire to a terminal, having a bit adapted to have inserted therein one end of an insulated wire and having a member telescoped over said bit and mounted for longitudinal movement with respect to the bit to cut and separate the insulation from the wire, the combination of a housing, pressure iiuid responsive motive means in said housing for moving the member between a retracted position wherein the forward end of the bit is exposed to receive the insulated wire and a forward position wherein the forward end of said member traverses the forward end of said bit to cut and separate the insulation on the wire, a valve regulating the application of pressure uid to said motive means, pressure fluid responsive drive means for rotating the bit and the member together to wind the wires bared conductor about a terminal, a second valve regulating the application of pressure uid to operate the drive means, control means for operating said valves sequentially to first actuate said motive means and thereafter to actuate said drive means, means for returning the member from the forward position upon interruption by said control means of the application of power to the tool, and means for guiding the bit and member as an incident to such return movement into a predetermined angular position relative to the tool axis.

7. ln a pressure fluid operated tool for preparing and applying a wire to a terminal and having a rotary bit and a sleeve mounted on said bit for longitudinal movement with respect thereto, the combination comprising pressure fluid responsive means for advancing the sleeve with respect to the bit for preparing and positioning the wire for application to the terminal., pressure fluid rcsponsive means for rotating the bit to wind the wire about the terminal, valve means for sequentially supplying pressure uid first to said sleeve moving means and then to said bit rotating means, and means conditioned during the movement of the sleeve with respect to the bi-t and operable as an incident to the interruption of the supply of pressure uid for returning the sleeve to its initial position.

8. In a `tool for preparing and applying a wire to a terminal including a bit adapted to have inserted therein one end of the wire and having a member telescoped over said bit and mounted for relative longitudinal movement with respect to the bit to position the wire in the bit, the combination of a housing dening a motor chamber and a cylinder, a motor in said chamber, a piston reciprocable in said cylinder for moving the member beassises tween a retracted position wherein the forward end of `the bit is exposed to receive the wire and a forward position wherein the forward end of said member traverses the forward end of said bit to position the wire therein, a spindle journaled in said housing and interposed between said bit and motor for rotating the bit to wind the wire about a terminal, valve means including a rst valve for regulating the admission of fluid to said cylinder to advance said piston, a second valve for regulating the admission of pressure fluid to operate the motor and including a trigger for operating said first and second valves sequentially, and means interposed between said piston and said housing conditioned during the advance of said piston and operative upon closure of said valve means to return said piston and retract said member.

9. In a tool for preparing and applying a wire to a terminal including a bit adapted to have inserted therein one end of the wire and having a member telescoped over said bit and mounted for relative longitudinal movement with respect to the bit to position the wire in the bit, the combination of a housing defining a motor chamber and a cylinder, a motor in said chamber, a piston reciprocable in said cylinder for moving the member between a retracted position wherein the forward end of the bit is exposed to receive the wire and a forward position wherein the forward end of said member traverses the forward end of said bit to position the wire therein, a spindle journaled in said housing and interposed between said bit and motor for rotating the bit to wind the wire about a terminal, valve means including a rst valve for regulating the admission of fluid to said cylinder to advance said piston, a second valve for regulating the admission of pressure fluid to operate the motor and including a trigger for operating said first and second valves sequentially, means interposed between said piston and said housing conditioned during the advance of said piston and operative upon closure of said valve means to return said piston and retract said member, and means interposed between said piston and said spindle operative during retracting movement of said piston to rotate said spindle and said bit to a predetermined angular position.

l0. In a tool for preparing and applying a Wire to a terminal including a bit adapted to have inserted therein one end of the wire and having a member telescoped over said bit and mounted for relative longitudinal movement with respect to the bit to position the wire in the bit, the combination of a housing dening a motor chamber and a cylinder, a motor in said chamber, a piston reciprocable in said cylinder for moving the member between a retracted position wherein the forward end of the bit is exposed to receive the wire and a forward position wherein the forward end of said member traverses the forward end of said bit to position the wire therein,

a spindle journaled in said housing and interposed between said bit and motor for rotating the bit to wind the wire about a terminal, valve means including a rst valve for regulating the admission of fluid to said cylinder to advance said piston, a second valve for regulating the admission of pressure fluid to operate the motor and including a trigger for operating said first and second valves sequentially, means interposed between said piston and said housing conditioned during the advance of said piston and operative upon closure of said valve means to return said piston and retract said members, means interposed between said piston and said spindle operative during retracti-ng movement of said piston to rotate said spindle and said bit to a predetermined angular position, said last mentioned means including a cam and cam follower interposed between said piston and said spindle.

1l. In a tool for preparing and applying a wire to a terminal including a bit adapted to have inserted therein one end of the wire and having a member telescoped over said bit and mounted for relative longitudinal movement with respect to the bit to position the wire in the bit, the combination of a housing defining a motor chamber and a cylinder, a motor in said chamber, a piston reciprocable in said cylinder for moving the member between a retracted position wherein the forward end of the bit is exposed to receive the wire and a forward position wherein the forward end of said member traverses the forward end of said bit to position the wire therein, a spindle journaled in said housing and interposed between said bit and motor for rotating the bit to wind the wire about a terminal, valve means including a first valve for regulating the admission of fluid to said cylinder to advance said piston, a second valve for regulating the admission of pressure fluid to operate the motor, and including a trigger for operating said first and second valves sequentially, means interposed between said piston and said housing conditioned during the advance of said piston and operative upon closure of said valve means to return said piston and retract said member, and means interposed between said piston and said spindle operative during retracting movement of said piston to rotate said spindle and said bit to a predetermined angular poistion, said last mentioned means including a pin rigid with said piston and a cam rigid with said spindle, said pin being disengaged from said carn upon advancing movement of said piston and engageable with said cam upon return movement of said piston so as to rotate said cam, spindle and bit to a predetermined angular reset position.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 

